Wet play

 Molly came for a sleepover on Tuesday, she is desperate to go to school each morning when George goes to his class, so we thought a night at ours would help, I had loads for her to do including this colouring page made from a photo taken when we last went to the beach, which she loved. We played outside, balls, scooters, bubbles all enjoyed, back inside she got all our puzzles out. 

Molly wanted to help in the garden, after picking and eating the raspberries, we found a pot for some spring bulbs, she is very good at following instructions, she helped decide which bulbs to use. Photo just for me so I can remember what is planted in here.

Wednesday morning Molly and I took the bus into town which she loved and met mummy, we spent a few hours at our local pottery café, each painting an item, we have done this a few times before, Molly choose a cat and loved it, I decided I needed another mushroom lamp, I'm not very good at decorating, and definitely not so good at the design, I do love crafting but struggle with art. They will be ready for collection in two weeks. Later we had lunch out together plus a visit to a few shops.

This plot leads you everywhere, so many suspects, what happened to Sam, where is she, why are the police not doing very much. A clever plot, twisting, adding to the tail. Book 65 read this year

Another new author to me, this book was very different, a young woman's final school project looking into a murder in her town five years previous. She includes one victims brother, not knowing if he is the right person to work with her. It leads her to suspect many of the people who live locally in the area, a nice ending. Book 66 read this year.

I did pop to our library and got 3 books, one I realised I had read before, it does feel good to hold a book again after reading so many on my tablet, this story is very different, set in an old converted house in Bath, the people who live there are brought together by a frail lady who they decide to help. Looking back at the ladies life as a top quality dress maker, discovering the famous person she dressed, not my normal read, another great book. Book 67 read this year.

I did start to read The Perfect Home, Natasha Boydell, I could not get into the plot and realised I was not interested in the story, just a bit too soft style of writing for me. I have a few inside project for the coming days, we are due to stay wet until after the weekend.

My time in the garden is dropping as the weather changes, I still walk around most mornings just checking everything and where Lilly is, Lilly has taken to sleeping on my net cover for my brassicas, it's not a strong contraption so it dips, and I curse her, she watches me but is not learning. The garden is still giving so I wait to plant out winter items, I am often ahead of myself, waiting for the space to appear, I never learn. 

Nothing much is happening here, which is OK, we both love quiet, hubby's medical results are mixed and as yet there are no changes to his medication, at this time there is nothing they can do, its a case of wait and watch, not bad news as he will never improve, but he is maintaining his level of fitness. 

Rain changed play

 A quick visit to our favourite garden centre to look at spring bulbs, less variety this year, I could not resist these tulips, China Town with 7 bulbs, aren't they pretty. I have placed an online order for some other bulbs, I have been looking for different varieties. The cyclamen hubby choose, he liked the colours.

I've started my new season pots, earlier this year I moved loads of bulbs around the garden, with the knowledge I would need to purchase more for pots. I already had one cyclamen plant its very similar to the new plant, the crocus bulbs are around the plants, this is by my patio doors, the summer pot is now back in my greenhouse. 

I needed some long plastic covered metal poles for a small change around in my raspberry bed, I was really chuffed to find what I required both sizes half price all are over two meters tall. Saved just over £10 on these.

I have been busy with my sewing machine, all the hems have been stitched on Will's school trousers, the hems always fail, so I stitch the new ones and avoid the issue. I also had the blanket from our neighbours son, he is a Boy Scout, and loves his blanket, he has collected more badges from his travels, another quick task.

This book was clever, it started with 3 women's stories, building to how they link together with a good twist, how revenge turns into helping another, I loved the plot. Book 64 read this year.

We are finally having the rain the garden requires, good steady rain, we have had some rain for the last 5 days, 3 days heavy, it has stopped us going outside, I don't have much to do, I have been forming a couple small plans, which include using the poles shown above, once the raspberries have finished I want to move the blueberries in the big tub and redo the structure for the raspberries to grow up. I have removed the nets from inside the greenhouse, so the light can get in and for the first time in months I have shut the door, I have an automatic window opener, so it should be OK. 

Being inside I am getting jobs done, only little things, bits I have ignored whilst being outside in the glorious sunshine. We have finished watching Destination X and loved it, neither of us like Josh, so we were happy he had his perceived victory snatched away from him, I have also been watching Fortune Hotel, I did not watch the first series, and I'm still unsure about it, hubby did not enjoy it at all. We both love Sewing Bee, again there are some talented people, we refuse to watch Masterchef, I have never liked Greg Wallace, but liked John Torode and felt uncomfortable with how he was treated. Soon it will be Bake off and Strickly, I'm watching The Inheritance with Rob Rinder, new on channel 4, I do like him and of course Traitors, Ireland and celebrities.

Bank holiday weekend

 Another new author to me, and very enjoyable read, clever in the way it leads you through a cold case, the murderous exfriend is in prison. She is drawn back to UK after safely living in USA for years, things have started again, how, why, but why does she have doubts, book 61 read this year.

This was a great book another duel timeline, from the start she told us she had been on death row in USA, for 3 murders, but was released on review years later. With a changed name and living well away from anyone she knows, another murder takes place, this is her story revealing the truth of years before, whilst trying to sort what is happening to her, great read. Book 62 read this year.

Another new author to me, one woman's perception on how others treat her, the way the author allows information to flow is perfect, allowing the story to build, who is right, who is not, a clever believable plot where one person believes in their own power, great ending. Book 63 read this year.

Molly wanted to do some crafting, I had recently purchased a pack of simple sewing animals, both Will and George  joined in, Will made the fox on his own, I just started the stitching, Molly made the pink cat and George the yellow duck both with lots of help, all 3 were happy with their makes.

 I got a few packets of spring bulbs, not for in the ground, these I will put in small clay pots and use for my patio spring display. I will do an online order for a few packs of more unusual bulbs. Also I got a pack of six cyclamen plants, it was just a couple of pounds more than the single white plant I was going to purchase, I am hoping one of these six has white flowers, again these are for around the patio area.

Saturday and Sunday was just stay at home days, we never go far on public holiday days our roads are always busy, daughter slept over as children were with their dad, hubby did a roast beef lunch on Sunday, we sat and chatted most of the time. Monday was a hot sunny day, I had plans but decided to sit outside all afternoon, hubby was out, so I quietly enjoyed the sunshine. Tuesday daughter and children came for most of the day, daughter popped out for a hair cut, it was much cooler and threatened rain with huge dark clouds, but stayed dry, we are enjoying these last few days of the summer holidays.

The mornings are much cooler, most start cloudy, sadly no rain, so I am watering a few days per week. It's also getting dark earlier every evening, my solar lights hung on my metal fences shine out and we have a light on inside, sleeping is much easier, we have not used our tower fan this week. The season feels as if it's changing, which is so sad I adore summer, even tough ones like this year's, having said that the gardens could do with a good drenching, the tree leaves are turning much earlier, there is some rain due, but then again the chance it will miss us is always high.

I have a big birthday in November, ends in an 0, so I got my reminder to renew my driving licence, I popped on line to my page at DVLA, which is linked to my current passport, 10 minutes later all done, on Friday just 4 days after my new driving licence card arrived. I know a few friends who hate how much of our information is collected and stored online, but I feel at my level the benefits outweigh any issues. Only difference my hair is much shorter since photo, which is not a problem. 

Quiet time

 Claire's story, she was abducted at the age of 15, and escaped 10 years later, the story follows two time lines, at the beginning and up to date, sounds horrendous but it's told in a positive way, I really enjoyed this book. Leah is a sequel, 3 years has passed, Claire witness a car crash, and saves the children, therefore becoming involved in the unfolding story, it's not as good as the first book, I still enjoyed it. Book's 57 and 58 read this year.

Another new author to me, it was a good plot but I did not truly enjoy, giving someone a special sight took away so much from the plot, it just wasn't great. Book 59 read this year.

A new author for me, I have seen loads of good things said about this book, once I started I was worried it centered around Peter Sutcliffe, The Yorkshire Ripper, but that soon became a backdrop and not the main story. I loved this book ordinary people living their lives, what goes on behind closed doors. A great book I did not want to put it down. Book 60 read this year.

We were given another 6 eggs this week, as a thank you I pulled a cauliflower which was going to seed for her chickens, the ladies enjoyed their treat, it's nice to be able to return kindness.

It's been a lazy week, hubby has worn various monitors this week, so many appointments to apply and remove them, thank you for your comments, his health is always on my mind, but we do try and get on with things, my main worry is to ensure he does not overdo things. I have been aching most of the week, all those lifts and cuddles with small people takes it toll, I'm not young anymore. 

Wednesday stayed cloudy all day, it got very muggy in the afternoon, we had a thunder storm, not much rain, it did not clear the air. Thursday was a cloudy start, then the blue skies returned, later I went to a local WI meeting, we have two groups in our village, I had been on the waiting list for a while, it was an enjoyable evening, first of many.

Friday we popped to The Range, not been there for a while, hubby is looking for an electric water feature, his barrel is OK, but he's not happy, nothing there we liked so the search continues. We had arranged to meet daughter and children at local beach for fish and chip supper, but it was too hot, so we postponed it until next week, in hope it will be cooler, we enjoyed fish and chips at home. Saturday was cloudy all day with a light breeze, so I spent time outside, I have photos in my next post.

Most evenings have been cooler, we do love to sit outside, by the evening we are in natural shade, whilst the sun still shines on the other side of the garden, often we can smell a BBQ or hear music, sometimes raised happy voices, neighbours enjoying their space, we don't have many young children close by, just the occasional sound of grandchildren visiting. 

I guess it's what they call the blues.

A new author to me, I'm reading on Kindle and I found book 23 of a series, this is book 1, it was a good believable story set in a small USA town, I like the way the case started small and grew. It very cleverly brought in more people, with a surprise at the end. Book 54 read this year.

I adore Linwood Barclays style of writing,  building stories around ordinary people, who for whatever reason gets tangled in things they don't want. Set back in Promise Falls, just a short story, working out who done it. Book 55 read this year.

Another good read, it led you all over the place, so much confusion, who did it, who do you trust, your own mind playing games with you. Book 56 read this year. 

Hubby gave me this lovely sign, I asked him if he could make a wooden base for it to enhance the sentiment, he found a perfect bit of wood in his 'someday it will come in handy' pile, it will look much better, once it's attached we need to decide where to put it.

I've not done anything outside, the past few days have been overcast at best and raining other days, I do pick raspberries and blackberries each day, I'm watching my butternut squash plant, I have a few fruits growing.

I am still very antisocial, we have not been out much, we did not both going to town this week, we really did not need anything, hubby suggested we pop to our favourite garden centre, but it's too wet to walk around. The house is clean and I'm reading loads, no crafting, too warm to knit or crochet, I have everything here to make hubby's cushions other than the desire to get my sewing machine out, normally when I feel like this I work on my blog book, but I can't be bothered with it.

My brother Martin has said he does not feel up to the 3 hour drive to visit us, he's on his own, I can understand how he feels, my sister now has her elderly FIL living with them, so it's difficult for her to be away for any time. Hubby's family are spread throughout UK, his younger sister in Wales has spent loads of time in Newcastle with their older sister who has recently had a op, his brother in Devon has been offered a break here, but as normal he is not saying much.

Daughter has a busy few days with helping out school parents and their child care, mainly Wills friends, it's never a chore, they all get on well and she loves helping them through summer holidays, as they are helpful to her other times.

Hubby is lovely, he finds things to do, like me he reads loads, we walk to the village, chat to neighbours, I'm happiest when sat in our garden, the space we have created is perfect for us, for me this has been a good summer, but I do know I need to do more, what is the question, firstly I have stopped scrolling on my phone and tablet, it's a small start.

Thursday we had thunder storms and heavy rain most of afternoon and evening, everywhere has had a good soak, I have a couple task to do, but will wait until the ground is not so wet.

Weekend

Ready for bed on Saturday night, first double sleep over.

After their bath, all clean and snuggly.

Sunday morning, Molly is more awake than George, this is about 7 am, we have been awake for almost an hour, George prefers a slower start, just like me.

Lilly was never far away from them, she loves to play with them.

I chose this book because of the first author, I have loved his books, whilst this was a good story, it's not one of his best, following a family with an later unexpected baby's arrival, it built into a good story, but was not exciting. Book 53 read this year.

Our first double sleepover went well, both stayed in their beds, Molly slept right through, George came to look for me just before 10pm, but was happy to get back into bed, they are always both in bed by just after 7pm. George would have slept later Sunday morning, Lilly got into the room and jumped on his bed, George loves Lilly.

Saturday daughter came over with her 3, Grandma and Grandpa popped in for a drink and chat, they took Will home with them, they are going to London for a few days, visiting museums and other stuff Will loves, most of the day was relaxing in the garden.

Hubby cooked a Sunday roast, using new potatoes, runner beans and cauliflower from my garden, we also made blackberry and apple crumble, but did not eat it as we were full, both Molly and George asked for extra, they do eat better when Will is not around as he is fussy and they copy him. Daughter enjoyed her lunch as well, having had a restful evening with friends, a lazy start to the morning and the knowledge she would not need to cook.

Later we rested, watched ladies football final and went to bed just after 9pm, we are both refreshed this morning, nothing beats going to bed tired and sleeping all night.

Looking back a great weekend.

This and that

 I really loved this book, for most of the tale the boyfriend was the narrator, nearer the end it became the girlfriends tale with a unexpected twist in the last chapter, I could not put it down. Book 51 read this year.

This was set in a baby birthing unit following the doctors, a good read, but not as good as the above book. Book 52 read this year.

We did not get any rain whilst we were away, i checked each day on our security cameras, so my garden was parched, I gave it a good soak on Thursday evening, the flower beds looked immediately better, the veg beds took longer.

I did have a small harvest, my first big tomato, plus lettuce, potatoes and a small cabbage not in my photo. We made a blackberry and apple crumble, for years I picked blackberries in September, always an autumn desert, they are really early this year.

Going home to my Somerset village was very mixed, we drove the first day into Devon to see hubbies brother, who decided to meet us at motorway service station, not the best place, he was chatty about anything other than recent events, which is OK as we would not want to upset him in anyway. Hubby was still unaware of funeral details other than its an 11am start, hubby finally found all the details in a Facebook post. Later we met up with hubby's son, they decided we should meet in a pub for a meal, which was lovely, we chatted for ages, catching up with all the news. 

2nd morning I went with Martin my brother to see our older brother in his home, it was a good visit, older brother took me around the gardens, I don't think he knew who I was, but was contented for me to be there, he was very happy with the photo book. I also popped onto see my sister, who was not in the greatest of moods, she had wanted me to go out for a day with her, which had to be postponed because of other visits. Both car journeys were much longer due to so many closed roads for roadworks, happily no traffic accidents. 

I'm not very sociable at this time, I'm a bit irritable with people, far too much going on, so I'm staying at home, I just don't have the energy to be polite to anyone. I'm sure I will get over it,  I have plenty to keep me busy.

Lilly is in disgrace, she hissed at the owner of the cattery for two mornings, she settled and the owner went to give her a cuddle and Lilly bit her hand. The owner was OK, put it down to the heat, Lilly has has all her injections so there should be no issues. The owner is happy to have Lilly again, but it is marked on her card she can bite. 

Are you lucky!

 George loves football, here at home with his goal, playing with Molly. Mummy told me a heartwarming event at school on Friday, at playtime George ran over to some junior boys playing football, they stopped to ensure George was not hurt, then they played with him, passing the ball to him and letting him score a goal, this lasted for ages. It was witnessed by his 1to1 helper, she told their teacher, who told the head and each child was given a school award for their actions. George was so happy, as was all other adults, children have no preconceptions about anyone, kindness is their natural setting.

Another book finished, this author always has a gental storyline, full of did they? and a twist I did not see coming, she loves normal people being put into situations, her endings are not always all wrapped up and solved, which I love. Book 50 read this year.

After the rain, the garden is looking good, we had steady rain for hours on Saturday, perfect for the garden, the ground is now quite wet.

Friday was a bit of a lost day for me, I was tired all day, I had nothing much to do so I sat and read, I am trying to put my phone away, I have wasted loads of time scrolling. I did pop to daughters to help with bath and bed time, all three are really good at going to bed. Saturday hubby was out most of the day, I managed a quick clean of the house, just a dust and vacuum, it was muggy and cloudy most of the day, I did wonder outside but just for a look and pick my first runner beans. I should get some tomatoes soon. I am hoping we get more of the promised rain in the coming days, the ground still needs more water, we are away in Somerset early next week, so I can relax if we are having a few wet days.

I am cross with a friend who is put out because I can't do a day trip with her, I have a busy few weeks ahead, it was a last moment deal she could afford, normally on these trips I get to pick up bills for extras, coffee and lunch. She is not happy, I am going to Somerset next week, it's been planned for ages, in the past I have changed the dates but with Lilly in cattery it's not so simple now. Then being told I'm lucky I can afford more really grates, hubby and I both have extra pensions, which we paid into for years, we struggled and brought a house, so yes we do live rent free, we also ensured we had no debt once retired. But that's not luck it was hard choices, ones we planned and worked on to ensure we were not struggling now, and I know not everyone gets those choices, but moaning at anyone when they have worked hard for their lifestyle makes me so irrate. This friend had enough from her divorce to purchase a flat, instead she rented and spent the money, it ran out a few years ago.

Most people are not lucky they have been hard working all their lives, sadly I have heard far too many times we are 'lucky' This comes as we struggle to understand hubby's brother, his wife suddenly passed away a huge shock as she was the youngest of us all, brother told his siblings he had no money for a funeral, they had always lived a slightly lavish lifestyle so we assumed they had savings, the family decided to pay for a simple funeral, he took their money and has now planned a hugely expensive funeral, hubby's oldest sister has told him not to ask for more money, sadly he is not saying much to the family, again choices, maybe I am missing something, but still I am not lucky.

Nice things

 I had another special delivery of fresh hens eggs, our neighbour brought them up and invited us to visit her now finished back garden, George was here so he took 2 home, mummy made him a omelette for his tea, we had ours as poached eggs on toast. 

I wanted a gift to take to neighbours house, this stunning red begonia fits the bill, the Osteospermum is for a gap in the side bed, and the Snow blizzard a cheeky extra, they were three for £12, it would have been rude not to.

As a member of my favourite garden centre, I took advantage of their half price seed selection this month and got these packs below, no veg as I already have loads from my recent subscription, and will get more in the coming year. I now have more than enough seeds to keep me happy. 

Another author I like and a good story, as with all good thrillers it starts with a murder scene, loads of people with reason to 'do it', she weaves a good plot, lovely twist just in the right place, I had guesses who done it, but she was clever and keep me guessing until almost the end, brilliant read. Book 49 read this year.

The rain on Tuesday was brilliant for the garden, we had 3 good showers, we popped to our favourite garden centre and was stuck in our car for ages due to a heavy passing storm. Daughter met us with Molly and George, so we had a drink, cake and a chat, George as usual won the heart of all the older ladies having their drinks in the café, he is a grandma/nana magnet, they love him. They went home with a dinosaur head hand puppet, loads of roars as they got into their car seats, daughter called later to ask, when could she hide them. 

Southern Water is starting a hosepipe ban on Monday, not too far away is a huge leak gallons gushing away, so many people not happy. My hubby just said the most wonderful words to me, our Southern Water bill is for waste, our water comes from Portsmouth water and they have not issued a hosepipe ban,  I'm over the moon, I thought it was the other way round.

Wednesday was a day at home, I've had a poorly tummy, bugs from George we think, he does like to share. Nothing much to do, the house is clean, other than deadheading the garden is tidy, I did sit in the shade for a couple of hours doing my New York Times puzzles. 

Today daughter and I are off to Ikea in Southampton, just for a look, neither of us needs anything big for our homes.

July already?

 I did finish The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling,  all 568 pages, what to say, the spiel on the back cover oversold it in my opinion,  1st book of hers which I didn't really enjoy. Book 47 read this year.

This is the second title by this author, I really enjoyed her first book, if was quirky and fun, very improbable and a great read. This title is as good as her first book, another improbable story which starts with 'I know I'm dead', I could not put it down, it's already been passed on to daughter. Book 48 read this year.

We had a lovely summer roast on Sunday, all the veg was home grown, with roast beef and Yorkshire puddings. It's the simple things which give me the greatest pleasure, they tasted good as well, better than any purchased veg, even the mint grown here in a pot.

The first of my zinnias have started flowering in the bags I have for cut flowers, it did feel very strange to cut all the blooms, normally I resist cutting anything from my garden, one lot of my sweet peas look as if they are going over, the second tub is now flowering. Only another small bunch, I'm so pleased to have flowers next to my inside chair. 

Just a couple of flower photos, we gave away the children's small bench which always sat by our patio doors, this pot is not new, it does look good here. The boots belonged to hubby, he wore them as part of his motorcycle gear, he was going to pass them on, I nicked them, planted them, each plant should tumble down over the boot.

Thank you for your comment about my ripped nail, I did put it in my last post a bit tongue in cheek, seams we are a group of danger gardeners, it's OK, just a bit tender at the rip point. 

Sunday afternoon we caught up with some Glastonbury, watching Lewis Capaldi and then Rod Stewart live, so pleased to see Lewis back on the stage, I was devastated to watch his breakdown last time he appeared, Rod, whist like so many is showing his age, his voice has changed, he looked tired to me, I found his set disappointing. I had hoped to watch Neil Young, but he restricted the BBC coverage, something he had done many times, I have loved his music since my brother shared his first album, back in the 70's, I had hoped when he changed his mind to appear, a deal was done to see him on TV.

Monday afternoon was spent watching the opening match at Wimbledon, which was not as I expected, neither player could hold on to their good game, it did have brilliant moments, but at times was very frustrating to watch. Tuesday was far too hot, I spend the daytime reading and watching tennis,  Djokovic annoyed me, he always does, I've never warmed to him. Wednesday we woke up to rain, enough to keep me happy, a dull grey morning. 

We had had some devastating family news, life can change so quickly.

June round up

 Very little on craft, I have not included the cost of the tunic material to make the cushions, hubby paid for it. I have credits shown on my garden list it's for the raised bed and metal table and chairs I sold, I managed to get new hurdles for my raised veg beds and a couple low metal fence edging panels. 

I got more new clothes, 2 pair of shorts and 4 T shirts, all on sale.

My half year figures are better than expected, selling two items helped bring my spend back to where I wanted it. I have loads of nice clothes, I don't need sandals, so again I'm happy with the half year figure. 

3 Books read this month. 

We managed to turn a 'no spend month' into another expensive one, we did sell both our wooden and metal furniture sets for a decent price and we got 10% discount off the new set, it was always planed to get new, just not yet. Plus a few things inside.

We are eating small harvest, a few bits have gone into the freezer in order not to waste anything, we have been enjoying the strawberries this year, they are huge and so many of them.

My weight has settled at the lower end, still too high, I am more active and tired most evenings. 

Herbs and flower's

 More plants, both my sage and thyme have gone very woody in my huge herb pot, I have cut them back many times, now is a good time to replace them. I got another Gaura, this one pink as I love their flowers, I've never grown these before. I also got two low metal fences to replace some flimsy ones, for under the Magnolia tree.

As you can see Friday was a cloudy day, here locally at Garson's garden centre, Titchfield, which is my favourite plant place, we treated everyone (daughter and her 3 children) to a drink and cake, loads of happy faces.

Another small bunch of cut flowers from the garden, including a big daisy as well as my fleabane ones, the zinnias are starting to bloom. I am enjoying having real flowers inside, the sweet peas are in a lull, loads of buds still to come.

Anyone who has ripped their nail this low will know it hurts, I have really weak nails which I try to keep tidy, I went to turn a pot without putting on my gloves, and caught myself, lesson learnt. 

I am struggling reading The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling, I'm on page 201, at the start of part two of the book, it's really slow going, I am hoping it rises up to the spiel on the back of the cover.

Saturday was another cloudy start, no rain just grey skies, the blues skies and heat arrived, it stayed windy all day, we sat in the shade for ages. We had homemade pizza for tea with red wine and chocolate, living life to the full here, I did give the garden a good soak before we settled down to our evening.

Today hubby is making a roast dinner, from my garden we have new potatoes, broad beans and cabbage, sadly no carrots yet. I have lettuce, and salad leaves as well, my runner beans are flowering, tomatoes are really behind and my cucumber plants have died. Strawberries are almost finished, now picking blueberries and a final pull of rhubarb, the raspberries are beginning to turn red.

Today is another day at home together, depending on the heat I may get my sewing machine out, I have cushions to make for hubby.